Close, but not close enough. Otago came up short, in familiar fashion, against Northland yesterday, beaten 13-8 in a match which could have gone either way.
The loss, its sixth from eight games, sends Otago plummeting back down to 13th on the ITM Cup ladder.
Otago did not deserve to win as it was just too inaccurate at key moments in the game, its lineout was wonky, and the backs failed to find much space.
Although the home side started well in both halves and scored the first try of the game, the class of Northland got it home in the end.
As the scoreline indicated, it was a game with very little in it.
Ultimately, it came down to one play with about 10 minutes left.
Otago was up by two points and attacking down the blindside when Northland winger Mateo Malupo grabbed the ball from an Otago player in the tackle.
He sprinted away and, though he was hauled down, Northland got the ball wide and fullback and skipper Jared Payne went across, to give his side the win.
The win was the first by Northland over Otago for 20 years and its first on Carisbrook since 1979.
Northland did look the more dangerous side but Otago was plucky and grew with confidence in the second half.
It made one dashing break out from a tap penalty deep inside its half early in the second half and that helped its confidence.
Otago then scored the first try of the game with an hour gone.
Livewire flanker Brad Cameron made a break in the midfield after a lucky bounce from an inaccurate pass.
The ball was moved on and after a couple of barges at the line, winger Joe Hill found seagulling lock Hayden Triggs unmarked on the wing and he went over.
The visiting side had led just 3-0 in the first half and looked more dangerous on attack but Otago was well organised in defence and kept its line intact, but it cannot expect to win games if it continues to be plagued by mistakes that destroy any hope of continuity.
Adam Thomson had a standout game for Otago at No 8, while halfback Sean Romans showed some nice touches.
Hill was busy and Ben Smith showed his class at the back.
The scrums were the usual mess, and one wonders what referee Jonathon White was seeing at times.
The Otago lineout was decidely average, although a stiff wind did not help.
Best for Northland was experienced first five-eighth David Holwell, while Rene Ranger showed why the All Blacks selectors have his number.
In the first half, Otago had plenty of ball and was on attack for long periods but could not make an impact in the only statistic that matters - the scoreboard.
Northland, against the run of play, scored the first points with a penalty after 13 minutes.
Lachie Munro had a chance to put his side further ahead but missed a sitter straight in front 10 minutes later.
At stages in the first half, Otago was just making it too easy for its opponent, handing over the ball and giving Northland some easy metres.
The home side had the territory in the later period of the first half but just could not get over the line.
The precision was not quite there, and it could not get through a committed Northland defence.
The backs ran across field too often.
Smith was pushed out in the corner while Glenn Dickson missed a couple of penalties, one an audacious attempt from more than 60m which never got close.
ITM Cup
The scores
Northland 13
Jared Payne try; Lachie Munro 2 pen, con
Otago 8
Hayden Triggs try; Hayden Parker pen
Halftime: 3-0
Crowd: 3000
